He moves his feet from the stool footrest to the ground. “I’ll help.”
But as he starts to stand up, his eyes flick back to the computer screen. It’s only for a tiny fraction of a second, but it’s enough to clearly show where his heart and his priorities lie.
Yeah, sure, he cares about finding her.
I yank the front door open and snort. “No. You stay here and work on your precious fucking deal. I’m better off on my own.”
The cold air chills the tears on my cheeks.
“But, Summer. Let me—”
I slam the door shut behind me. I couldn’t give a shit what he wants me to let him do.
11
OWEN
“Fuck.”
I lean on the counter and drop my head into my hands.
My stomach tightens in the way it does right before you puke.
That dog is Summer’s world. How would I ever live with myself if anything happens to her and it was all my fault?
All I want to do is charge out there and help, but judging from her reaction, that would only make things worse.
I take a deep breath, blow it out, and try to think positively.
Hopefully, Elsa won’t have gone far.
And Summer will find her, she’s smart and resourceful.
And beautiful.
An image of her face, eyes closed in pleasure, flashes across my mind. Last night wasn’t like any one-night stand I’ve ever had before. It was different. There was a feeling deep down inside, in a place I didn’t know existed, where we were connected in a way that was more than purely physical. At least, there was for me.
But, regardless of the impossible logistics of seeing her again, it seems Summer’s decided her first instincts were right after all—I’m a jerk whose help she doesn’t want.
Chasing after her and insisting on joining the search for Elsa would undoubtedly only make her more pissed off with me, so I clamp my backside to the stool and resist the impulse to run out the door.
I need to focus on the spreadsheet Elliot sent, anyway. It’s vital I get these figures into my head, so I can show how investing in us, to grow the businessandstart the nonprofit kids’ tech hubs, would be the best decision Archie Banks could ever make.
And we might be in luck, he’s showing signs of being eager. Apparently he pretty much invited himself to Maggie and Jim’s party so he could meet us in person. That’s as far as Elliot had gotten with the story when my phone battery died two nights ago.
I suspect Archie’s enthusiasm might have ulterior motives, and could be related to bad publicity about his swanky, stylish hotels not being particularly child-friendly. There’ve been a couple of viral social media posts from celebs complaining about staff being rude to their little angels, and refusing to accommodate their every whim. Now, the chain’s in danger of falling out of favor as the go-to home-away-from-home for those who are rich, famous, influential, and also parents.
That might be why Archie’s already asked if a deal would mean his company’s name could be slapped all over our kids’ tech centers.
Anyway, Elliot said when he took Archie’s call he got uncomfortable—Elliot hates the schmoozing side of the business—and started rambling about his parents’ housewarming bash in a tiny village in New Hampshire. And Archie said that, by coincidence, he was going to be nearby visiting his girlfriend’s family this weekend, and he could come along so we could pitch to him face to face while Elliot and I are in one place.
Outside, Summer calls Elsa’s name.
It sends a chill through my veins. I have to hope the dog’s happily wandering around, and digging for nonexistent snowballs.
I blink a couple of times and make my gray matter concentrate on the spreadsheet. Elliot’s done an awesome job on these numbers. They makemewant to invest in our company. I never cease to be pleased I teamed up with the family geek.
Time for me to learn a little background on Mr. Banks.
